Liverpool FC Injury Update
Carragher sidelined for up to 3 months:
Liverpool’s talismanic vice-captain dislocated his shoulder in the dying minutes of their clash against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last Sunday. Initial reports suggested that the defender will be out for a couple of weeks.
However, Liverpool’s biggest fear was turned in to reality when the news came that Jamie Carragher would require an operation on his injured shoulder, which can eventually keep him out until the beginning of March.
The 32 year old is disappointed but has vowed to come back stronger.
"I'll be having surgery at the end of the week," Carragher said. "The average is about 12 weeks. I'd like to come back before that but I've got to make sure it's right. It will probably be late February or early March when I'm looking to come back.
"It's difficult for me when I'm injured. It hasn't happened very often, and I'm very lucky with that I suppose, but maybe it's caught up with me a little bit now. I've been here before with a broken leg which put me out this length of time. It's not easy
but you've got to get on with it, and it makes you more determined to get back. I'm sure towards the end of the season when people are maybe feeling a little bit tired I'll be raring to go."
Torres out, Wilson starts:
Fernando Torres has been ruled out for the Europa League clash against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night.
Torres is being rested for this game and will be available for Liverpool’s weekend clash against Aston Villa.
Roy Hodgson has hinted that with a number of injuries taking place, he cannot risk his big players and is ready to gamble in their Europa League clash.
In the absence of Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger, summer signing Danny Wilson will start against Steaua Bucharest.
Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Wilson will start at the back alongside Sotirios Kyrgiakos and players such as Joe Cole, Ryan Babel, Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen, Martin Kelly, Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey will play some part.
It is believed that highly rated youngster, Dani Pacheco, will also be included in the squad and is expected to play some part in the game.
Gerrard return:
Steven Gerrard could be in line to make a return against Newcastle a week on from Saturday. The Liverpool skipper has been out since he suffered a grade 2 hamstring tear two weeks ago on International duty.
Liverpool’s Sports science team is expecting Gerrard to return to training at the start of next week. He has started running recently and is making a speedy recovery.
Gerrard who has missed Liverpool’s defeat to Tottenham is determined to be back in fold to get his team’s dismal season back on track.
The rest...
Liverpool will welcome back Joe Cole, after he missed a month’s football through injury. The diminutive midfielder was expected to make his return against Tottenham but a knock in training delayed his comeback by another match.
He is expected to be 100% for the game against Steaua and could make his first start in over a month.
Long term absentee Daniel Agger is vying for a comeback and is needed more than ever before, now that Jamie Carragher is out for nearly 3 months.
Liverpool’s Sports Science head Dr Brukner is hopeful that it won’t be long before the stylish defender is back on the pitch.
"He's starting to do some running. We expect him to be back in full training in a couple of weeks and available for selection before Christmas." Dr Brukner said.
Roy Hodgson is yet to decide who will captain the team in the absence of both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
Pepe Reina is a favourite to take over the captain’s armband but Roy has hinted that Sotirios Kyrgiakos also has an outside chance.
Under Rafa Kuyt was Liverpool’s third choice, However it is unlikely that he will play on Thursday night.
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